461 - 429 BCE- A prominent figure in Athenian politics during a time when Athenian power was at its height. This time is known as The Age of Pericles and is marked by powerful democratic influences in Athens. One of the most important government bodies was a democratic institution known as …

500 BCE

An Athenian aristocrat who gained control of government and established the basis for Athenian democracy. Cleisthenes created a hierarchical government composed of ten tribes of Athenian citizens and a ruling council of 500 members who were elected by the tribes. Cleisthenes' reforms served to decrease the power of …

800 BCE

A famous writer and story teller known for his composition of the Iliad. The Iliad is an epic poem relating the story of the Trojan war. Although, some historians believe that another work, known as The Odyssey, can not be attributable to Homer, he is often given credit …

521 - 486 BCE- The Great King of Persia who was able to emerge as king after a year of civil war following the death of Cambyses, son of Cyrus the Great. Darius is regarded to have strengthened the Persian Empire, including building a canal from the Red Sea and the …

559 - 530 BCE- One of the great kings of Persia, Cyrus conquered many kingdoms and ruled them beneficently. Cyrus was responsible for the defeat of the Medes, the Chaldeans , the Lydians, and many other peoples. Cyrus had a reputation for mercy, and even allowed subject states to participate in governance …

605 - 562 BCE- Nebuchadnezzar II was the Chaldean ruler who established their independence from the Assyrians. Nebuchadnezzar sacked Palestine, sending the Hebrew people into exile, and destroying their religious centers, including their temple at Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar is noted for having constructed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World …